June 1 is a crucial day around the NFL for franchises seeking to improve their roster in the trade market. This is normally the end date to try to add cap space and get rid of veteran contracts. This would be a good opportunity for the Carolina Panthers to strengthen their weaknesses before training camp begins later this month.
The Panthers got a good look at their roster during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). This will help them with decisions going forward with their team. Carolina has been extremely aggressive in the acquisition market, which has left their organization stronger than the one they fielded last season (5-11). Here are 4 trades that could possibly benefit the Panthers in the upcoming season.
1. TE Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles
Tight end Zach Ertz has stated his displeasure with the Eagles and would be open to joining a new organization. The Eagles would be saving $8.5 million in cap space if they were able to pull off the trade. This would be a plus for the Panthers because they don’t really have a #1 TE on the roster. The only set-back with Ertz is his injury history. The Panthers might play it safe and stick with Dan Arnold and Tommy Tremble before taking a huge leap with Ertz.
2. LB Jordan Hicks – Arizona Cardinals
According to sources, the Cardinals have informed linebacker Jordan Hicks that his talent will not be needed since they drafted LB Zaven Collins with their first round pick. This is a significant move because Hicks is still playing at a high level and was a team captain. This trade would make sense for both sides, saving Arizona $2.9 million. Hicks would be a good addition to go alongside the Panthers new LB Denzel Perryman. Because of a lack of depth at that position, it would be a great signing for the team. Hicks brings several traits that the team looks for, like physicality and experience. It’s worth looking into.
3. S Landon Collins – Washington Football Team
The Panthers seem to have plenty of defensive weapons, but the one weakness is who will pair up with Jeremy Chinn at the safety spot. Justin Burris seems to be impressing the coaches, but there are no guarantees that it’s going to last through the entirety of the season. The Panthers may consider going after Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins. The WFT would save $12.7 million in a trade after June 1. Collins and Chinn playing together would make a formidable pair and boost the defense overall.
4. CB Bradley Roby – Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have had a lot of roster turnover. Corner back Bradley Roby could be another casualty in their rebuilding. He has stated that he wants out from the Texans in such a fashion that he was disciplined by the organization and did not play in a Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. The trade could save the Texans $9.14 million if they could find a suitor after June 1. The Panthers don’t necessarily need Roby, but he could be used as a luxury piece for the right price. There is no guarantee that the other cornerbacks will make an impact immediately. This would be a shocking move, but the Panthers are known to take risks due to their new coaching staff and front office, consisting of Matt Rhule, Scott Fitterer and team owner David Tepper.
